MOA layover still work from DL Gates at MSP
Jun 25, 2019, 11:16 am
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DFW
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MOA layover still work from DL Gates at MSP
Has anyone had recent experience using the checkpoint between C and G at MSP to reach MOA?
I used to go through MOA a LOT and on occasion would take my son to MOA on long layovers. We've got 3.5 hours at MSP tomorrow but its been since 2015 that I've done it so curious if it still works. It was a really easy thing to do - straight down to the train and rarely a long line at the Checkpoint.
I used to go through MOA a LOT and on occasion would take my son to MOA on long layovers. We've got 3.5 hours at MSP tomorrow but its been since 2015 that I've done it so curious if it still works. It was a really easy thing to do - straight down to the train and rarely a long line at the Checkpoint.
Jun 25, 2019, 11:20 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 57
All depends on the time. I seem to recall that checkpoint closing earlier than advertised at times. You'd still probably only end up with an hour to 90 minutes at MoA, with train-time and needing to be back at security by an hour before?
Jun 25, 2019, 12:27 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Minneapolis, formerly the shores of Lake Minnetonka
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Posts: 394
I think you can always exit through the C-to-G bridge (Checkpoint 10) and head straight down to the light rail, but coming back you might not be able to re-enter security through that same checkpoint as it keeps odd hours. It's only open until 1:15pm M-F.
Jun 25, 2019, 2:04 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,303
I don't know this first-hand, but at the MAC Commission meeting yesterday, the TSA federal security director said that the checkpoint isn't processing passengers at all while they try and train their new staff and cope with a record crush of passengers coming through the checkpoints. You can still exit there at any time, but they don't have it open for passenger screening. At least, that's what he said.
Jun 25, 2019, 2:08 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Northern Minnesota, US
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Posts: 659
You can always exit from the skyway (well at least when the skyway is open (closes at like 11 or 12am). The security checkpoint there closes around 1-3. Go through the exit. Take the elevator or escalators to the train station. Catch a train towards MOA (they run about every 15 min outside of rush hours) and your there. On the way back you will need to take a tram back to the main terminal and go through security there. The North checkpoint is usually less crowded, but the lines the last two weeks have been long, at least in the morning.
Jun 25, 2019, 2:27 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 367
Jun 25, 2019, 2:29 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Northern Minnesota, US
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Posts: 659
The trains run every 10 minutes throughout midday and weekend daytime as well. The 10-minute frequency is from roughly 6 AM - 7 PM weekdays, and roughly 9 AM - 7 PM on weekends and holidays. Outside of that it's generally 15 minute frequency except late at night and early morning. The exact schedule is available here: https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/901/
Jun 25, 2019, 2:43 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, 1MM
Posts: 3,781
The volume of travelers at MSP is high right now; it’s not a time to cut it close to get through a TSA checkpoint, even with PreCheck. Checkpoint 10 between C & G closes at 1:15pm and, as mentioned above, may not be open at all.
I worked a travelers assistance volunteer shift from 4-8pm last Sunday; it was one of the busiest I’ve seen.
I worked a travelers assistance volunteer shift from 4-8pm last Sunday; it was one of the busiest I’ve seen.
Jun 25, 2019, 3:43 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 195
The volume of travelers at MSP is high right now; it’s not a time to cut it close to get through a TSA checkpoint, even with PreCheck. Checkpoint 10 between C & G closes at 1:15pm and, as mentioned above, may not be open at all.
I worked a travelers assistance volunteer shift from 4-8pm last Sunday; it was one of the busiest I’ve seen.
I worked a travelers assistance volunteer shift from 4-8pm last Sunday; it was one of the busiest I’ve seen.
Jun 25, 2019, 4:53 pm
#10
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I've only seen Checkpoint 10 open about once or twice the past couple of weeks, the rest of the time it's been closed.
In my little experience so far, Pre-Check seems pretty clear to me (even at peak times) while the regular lines have been absolutely insane. One time a couple of weeks ago I was walking through the terminal after MSP had some bad storms and the regular TSA lines stretched all the way down the ticket hall in both directions while the Pre-Check lines were completely empty.
In my little experience so far, Pre-Check seems pretty clear to me (even at peak times) while the regular lines have been absolutely insane. One time a couple of weeks ago I was walking through the terminal after MSP had some bad storms and the regular TSA lines stretched all the way down the ticket hall in both directions while the Pre-Check lines were completely empty.
Jun 25, 2019, 7:07 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: AA Plat Pto, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,536
With PreCheck I could see an hour to 1:15 at MOA as doable, not sure the MOA is different enough from the local one justify it for that short a window. If attempted I would take a rideshare from mall to check-in and use the north (not Delta) PreCheck line to save a few minutes over positioning for train and getting back to a security checkpoint.
Jun 27, 2019, 1:32 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 903
... the regular lines have been absolutely insane.
The insanity of the security lines (and Delta bag drop lines) lately-- in fine sunny weather-- is more like what one would expect in the Congo or Pakistan. Who stole my MSP?
Last edited by tom_MN; Jun 27, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Jun 27, 2019, 2:24 pm
#13
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The SkyPriority counters have had lines too. I've started thinking that UA and IIRC AA separate out top tier elites and offer something like an IFC special check in line/area at major stations. Maybe the problem is that when everyone's SkyPriority no one gets genuine priority.
Jul 5, 2019, 3:44 pm
#14
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Happy to say the layover worked out.
The kid finally got to conquer his fear of the Rock Bottom Plunge and the wife got a chance to shop and visit with an old friend. The Nickelodeon thing was the draw. I had brought my kid when he was much younger and not quite ready for the bigger coaster.
The only real problem I had was on the MOA side. We tried to save time by using Uber back but the Uber stop situation is a little confusing on the new Marriott side.
TSA pre-check in the main terminal was a total breeze but you were all right - we saw the checkpoint at the skybridge was closed on the way out so we knew we were going to have to go to the main terminal to get back in.
The kid finally got to conquer his fear of the Rock Bottom Plunge and the wife got a chance to shop and visit with an old friend. The Nickelodeon thing was the draw. I had brought my kid when he was much younger and not quite ready for the bigger coaster.
The only real problem I had was on the MOA side. We tried to save time by using Uber back but the Uber stop situation is a little confusing on the new Marriott side.
TSA pre-check in the main terminal was a total breeze but you were all right - we saw the checkpoint at the skybridge was closed on the way out so we knew we were going to have to go to the main terminal to get back in.
Jul 5, 2019, 3:54 pm
#15
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Yikes. I was just about to post that the current MOA system for Uber and Lyft is to go to the information desk near the MOA entrance next to the JW, the one with the outdoor plaza going over the roadway (where there was an ice skating rink around the holidays this winter). [There's usually some art exhibit in this area of the mall.] From the mall door, you walk about a block outdoors to a staging area (circular curb with some overhead roofs for protection from the weather) that's also used by airport hotel shuttle buses.
Recently I've been experiencing slight waits for CLEAR at MSP south, usually until someone finishes with a kiosk, and then a wait in line with several CLEAR passengers ahead of me at the document checker point. CLEAR employees have been directing us forward in the roped off line for CLEAR rather than providing individual escorts recently, although there are always CLEAR employees standing around.
Recently I've been experiencing slight waits for CLEAR at MSP south, usually until someone finishes with a kiosk, and then a wait in line with several CLEAR passengers ahead of me at the document checker point. CLEAR employees have been directing us forward in the roped off line for CLEAR rather than providing individual escorts recently, although there are always CLEAR employees standing around.
